Summer Collegiate

They say every good party ends up in the kitchen.

Published

6 years ago

March 2, 2021

Well, baseball is a party, and in Nanaimo the gathering spot was the big wood stove down the hall from Kent’s Kitchen where former players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans would all congregate.

The stove was the centrepiece of the Hall Of Fame Room in the bowels of Serauxmen Stadium. That stove is due to be rolled out the door this spring to make way for a new kind of baseball party – the Nanaimo NightOwls Baseball Club of the West Coast League, and the new team’s office space.

It was not sadness that trailed after that symbol of warmth and camaraderie, however. All those same players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans had worked hard to someday attract a WCL team to their city so to see the space repurposed for such high-calibre ball was a treat, not a gripe.

“We’d have all these old guys come in and just B.S. about baseball,” said Kent Malpass, the man for whom the kitchen was unofficially named. He was one of the young guys who cozied up to that fire, when it first got kindled, and now he is the godfather of these goodfellas.

“If that room had ears, it would have lots of things to talk about. So many great people have worked to keep baseball in Nanaimo going and growing, and a lot of them ended up in that room having those conversations. So many of them have passed on now, great names, great people. Some are in a home now. That’s the way time works. And we’re in the middle of Covid and when that hit, it really shut it all down anyway.”

It was always Thursday morning that the regular gathering would happen, whether there was a ball game on that day or not.

“I’d get there at seven o’clock, and sometimes there were already people waiting to get in,” Malpass said. “They’d show up at 7:30, 8:00, trickling in, but there would often be a dozen of us just here for the conversation and seeing each other, talking about baseball and life.”

The big stove was never the point of these visits, but it was always the unspoken host. Even when there was a lull in the conversation, the crackle of the wood fire would evoke the crack of the bat.

“It’s a big stove. Huge,” Malpass said. “I’ve put wood in that thing at three o’clock in the afternoon and come back at 11 or 12 o’clock the next day and it would still be going.”

Kent and his Serauxmen Service Club members are much the same way. The Nanaimo charity group formed in 1967 over some beers and centennial cheers at the Tally Ho Pub. To this day, it is going strong and Nanaimo is its one and only chapter. They raise tens of thousands of dollars a year for all-local causes. They also pour tens of thousands of dollars worth of in-kind contributions and volunteerism into their community, and baseball is one of their chief loves.

Baseball brings people together, said Malpass, and baseball never ceases to draw in new people but never let go of anyone as they age. It’s something that grows with you no matter who you are or where you are, he said.

When Nanaimo seemed set to take a step up in the baseball world, back in the 1970s, Malpass and the Serauxmen were gleeful. Their club’s name is on the stadium because they took it upon themselves to lead the fundraising and logistics efforts to convert the former coal mine site into a ballpark that is still one of the best in B.C.

It opened in 1976 with a slate of celebrities on-site to throw the first pitches and cut all the ribbons. Malpass still glows at the memory of the top name on that fundraising ticket: the legendary superstar Mickey Mantle. Joining the Yankee Comet was another golden name from baseball’s history, Red Sox Gold-Glover and two-time all-star Jim Piersall.

“We took them fishing and showed them a good time,” said Malpass. “It cost the Serauxmen $5,000 to bring them in, which was a lot of money in 1976, but it worked really well. The place was packed.”

But that wasn’t the end of the Serauxmen commitment to Nanaimo baseball.

“Doug Rogers started the Nanaimo Pirates (of the BC Premier Baseball League) so his brother Danny and I used to do the equipment,” Malpass said, and that volunteer effort carried over into the whole youth baseball league where they would outfit up to 800 kids each year with uniforms, belts, helmets, socks, the whole kit. He would go on buying trips that needed a truck. “It was like Christmas for us, but everything was for the kids.”

A lot of the equipment distribution happened in that same room that eventually became the meeting space.

Malpass wore a lot of different volunteer caps over the years. He would paint the weathered spots on the fence, fix the broken boards on the bleachers, sweep the spilled popcorn, and he was a fixture in the concession kitchen. He grew up in the grocery industry and cooked in restaurants so this was his wheelhouse, but he also sold furniture, assembled satellite antennae, and other career moves that he always turned into a baseball double-play.

“I just love being at the stadium, being around baseball, being with baseball people, it’s a special thing,” he said. He pointed to the example of his friend Burt Lansdale who passed away and wanted his ashes scattered on the pitcher’s mound at the stadium. As the ceremony was going on, as the congregation bowed their heads in prayer, the automatic sprinklers suddenly popped on without warning. Malpass chuckled that even the stadium itself wanted to pay respects to someone who loved being there so much.

“People have a connection to this sport, because it’s more than a sport,” he said.

“Look at what Jim’s done (NightOwls General Manager Jim Swanson) with the team. The Owls were a team in Nanaimo in the 1920s which is where he dug up the name. It’s paying respect, it’s embracing tradition even when you’re doing something new.”

Malpass is excited to see the new team, the new league, and the new level of baseball Nanaimo has grown to embrace. He feels he, his friends, his neighbours, and the Serauxmen club members all had a hand in earning it. He’ll gladly sacrifice more volunteer time and work on the home stadium to make it happen. It’ll keep him as warm as any wood stove whose time has now passed.

That stove is not going to the scrap heap, though. Like the Owls name, it is just changing its context. The stove was a popular item for buildings that still could use that crackling heat, and it will be finding a home that will be fully aware of the history that comes with it.

Summer Collegiate

THEY’RE BACK! Nykoluk, Cathers and Downer set to return to NightOwls

Published

9 hours ago

November 13, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

November 13, 2026

NANAIMO, B.C. — Serauxmen Stadium is an intoxicating place to play and watch baseball.

The Nanaimo NightOwls program has become known for players wanting to return to play collegiate summer baseball — and three players have already signed to spend another season on Vancouver Island.

Since the 2022 debut WCL season, players have trekked back for encore appearances and the 2027 roster will be no different.

Aiden Nykoluk and Davis Downer are back for a second season, and local product Carter Cathers will spend a third season in Nanaimo when the summer of 2027 arrives on June 1. All three are right-handed hitting outfielders, with Cathers also able to play first base.

“These are guys who improved as NightOwls and understand the standards and goals of this organization, highlighted by making the playoffs in 2026,” said Head Coach Cody Andreychuk, who enters his third season at the helm.

Nykoluk and Cathers play for Andreychuk at NAIA University of Pikeville. Downer is in his first season in Div1 as a Huskie at the University of Washington.

Nykoluk, a California native who followed his brother Andrew’s footsteps by landing in Nanaimo last summer, was a standout who played in 41 games and had nearly 200 plate appearances — batting .318 with 47 hits and 32 RBIs, mostly playing left field.

Cathers had four home runs and seven stolen bases, including a memorable game in Corvallis as part of a sweep of the Knights, playing in 31 games overall and handling first base down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Downer, the NWAC player of the year for Everett CC, graduated to UW after spending 14 games as a NightOwl and registering seven extra base hits and 16 runs driven in.

Andreychuk and the front office are working on more player signings for 2027, with further announcements to come.

NightOwls Baseball Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift!

With familiar faces returning and another exciting season on the horizon, there’s no better time to secure your seats for 2027!

Single-game tickets go on sale December 1, 2026 — just in time for Christmas! Give the gift of summer nights, exciting baseball, and unforgettable memories at Serauxmen Stadium.

Skip the wrapping paper this year and put NightOwls baseball under the tree!

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – MAJOR SIGNING

Published

14 hours ago

November 13, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2026

VICTORIA — Jeremiah Arnett experienced so much positive development as a member of the Victoria HarbourCats, he has signed up for more.

The West Coast League (WCL) pitcher of the year in 2026, also named the team’s top hurler, has announced his intention to return to Victoria for the summer of 2027, to again work with Head Coach Todd Haney and Pitching Coach Zach Swanson.

Arnett, a right-hander from Rice, is a 6-4/215-pound product of Waco, TX — all he did in 2026 was go 5-2 with a 2.15 ERA and 66 strikeouts (all league-best figures) in 54 innings stretched over 10 starts. He only walked 14 batters, and hit just one, surrendering 43 hits.

His 4.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio was elite for any level.

“Having the WCL Pitcher of the Year back in a HarbourCats uniform next summer is an incredible boost for our entire organization,” said Haney, another Texan who previously coached Arnett prior to their time together with the HarbourCats.

“Jeremiah didn’t just break franchise strikeout records and win the pitching Triple Crown last season—he set the standard for how our guys prepare and compete every single day.”

Arnett pitched for Team North in the Showpass WCL All-Star Game, played at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP — and he’ll have his sights set on doing that again when the game makes a second consecutive appearance in Victoria, July 14, 2027.

Arnett also was a first for the HarbourCats — the team’s first married player, as he and bride Emma truly enjoyed the summer in Victoria and getting to know their hosts, Dave Campbell and family.

The HarbourCats being their 2027 season at home on Tuesday, June 1, vs the island rival Nanaimo NightOwls. Single game tickets for that game and all 2027 games, including the All Star Game and Home Run Derby are expected to be available starting December 1st, possibly sooner.

Season Ticket Memberships, and 12 and 24-game flex packs for the 2027 HarbourCats Season are now available for purchase or renewal. New members may order their season seats on-line if desired at http://harbourcats.com/tickets (click the Memberships tab), or by calling the office at 778-265-0327. Existing members who have accounts in good standing on SHOWPASS can simply log into their account to renew (click on the Memberships item), or can also call the office or pop in to pay for their 2027 seats.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Island Cup rivalry starts the summer for 2027 HarbourCats

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

2027 WCL Schedule Released! All-star game returns, four fireworks nights, five weekends highlight HarbourCats home schedule

November 10, 2026

For immediate release

NOTE: Single games tickets and ticket voucher exchanges are NOT YET AVAILABLE. It is anticipated that these will be available on December 1, 2026, possibly sooner once our ticketing system has been updated. Watch for an update on this.

VICTORIA — It won’t take long for the Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls to compare notes in the heat of competition.

The two West Coast League island rivals will start the season on Tuesday, June 1, 2027, a 6:35pm start at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP — the opening of the 13th season of HarbourCats baseball in Victoria. (The team debuted in 2013, and is the longest-running baseball program of its kind in the capital city, operating continuously aside from the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.)

It’s the first time in six seasons, since the NightOwls joined in 2022, the Island teams have opened the season against each other.

“We like this schedule a lot — it will give fans lots of great weekend dates, and so many opportunities for companies and groups to gather at a HarbourCats game and enjoy each other’s company,” said GM Christian Stewart.

“Of course, we are also hosting the Showpass WCL All-Star Game (presented by Canadian Club) again, with those festivities taking place July 13-14 — the home run derby, the game, and all the other activities planned around it. Those were two amazing days last summer and it will only get bigger this second time.”

Stewart and staff are now busy building the ticketing system to fit these dates. Season tickets and packages are available, and group opportunities are now open — single-game seats will be on sale shortly, with the HarbourCats announcing that when ready using all on-line platforms.

The HarbourCats will open with a six-game North Division homestand, with Nanaimo visiting June 1-2-3 and Bellingham arriving for a weekend series, Fri-Sat-Sun June 4-5-6, that will include the first FIREWORKS NIGHT of the season on Saturday, June 5.

School Spirit games are slated for Thursday, June 3 vs. Nanaimo, and Thursday, June 17 vs. the Wenatchee AppleSox — 11am starts at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP, while a Business Nooner Getaway day is being considered for another date on the schedule.

The ever-popular Fireworks dates will be Saturday, June 5 vs. Bellingham, Wednesday, June 30 vs. Nanaimo, the traditional BC Day Monday date on August 2, with a fourth fireworks night still looking to be confirmed in mid-July.

The HarbourCats will welcome 11 different teams to Wilson’s Group Stadium in 2027 including the NightOwls, Bells, Northpaws, AppleSox, Kelowna Falcons, Edmonton Riverhawks, Ridgefield Raptors, Redmond Dudes, Victoria Mavericks and Coquitlam Angels. They will also play the SIBL All-Stars on BC Day August 2, with fireworks following, in a reprise of one of the best attended nights of 2026.

There are five weekend series on the schedule, that will include five Sunday matinee games, our Family Fun Sundays where kids can run the bases and meet the players following the game.

Victoria will go on the road to face Nanaimo, Wenatchee, Kamloops, Bellingham, Kelowna, Edmonton, and southbound to play the Bend Elks and Marion Berries (Salem, OR). It will mark the first-ever meeting between the HarbourCats and Berries.

The full 2027 HarbourCats schedule is outlined below (subject to refinement), with other promotional dates and events still to be announced.

ALL-STAR FESTIVITIES — Showpass WCL Festival, presented by Canadian Club
Tuesday, July 13, Home Run Derby, 6:35PM
Wednesday, July 14, All-Star Game, 7:00PM

VICTORIA HARBOURCATS 2027 SCHEDULE
HOME DATES
Mon-Sat, 6:35pm (except School Spirit games, 11:05am), Sunday 1:05pm

Tues-Wed-Thurs, June 1-2-3 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls (including opening night, June 1, School Spirit on June 3)
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 4-5-6 — vs. Bellingham Bells (FIREWORKS on Saturday, June 5)
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 11-12-13 — vs. Coquitlam Angels (KIDS FREE WEEKEND!)
Tues-Wed-Thurs, June 15-16-17 — vs. Wenatchee AppleSox (School Spirit on Thursday, June 17)
Mon-Tues-Wed, June 21-22-23 — vs. Redmond Dudes
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 25-26-27 — vs. Edmonton Riverhawks
Wednesday, June 30 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls (PRE CANADA DAY FIREWORKS)
Tuesday, July 6 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls
Thursday, July 8 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls
Tuesday, July 13 — WCL Home Run Derby
Wednesday, July 14 — WCL All-Star Game
Thursday, July 15 — vs. Victoria Mavericks
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 16-17-18 — vs. Kamloops Northpaws
Monday, August 2 — SIBL All-Stars, Fireworks for BC Day
Tues-Wed-Thurs, August 3-4-5 — vs. Kelowna Falcons
Fri-Sat-Sun, August 6-7-8 — vs. Edmonton Riverhawks

ROAD DATES
Tues-Wed-Thurs, June 8-9-10 — at Wenatchee
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 18-19-20 — at Kamloops
Tuesday, June 29 — at Nanaimo
Thursday, July 1 — at Nanaimo
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 2-3-4 — at Bellingham
Wednesday, July 7 — at Nanaimo
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 9-10-11 — at Kelowna
Tues-Wed-Thurs, July 20-21-22 — at Bend
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 23-24-25 — at Marion
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 30-31/Aug 1 — at Edmonton
Mon-Tues-Wed, August 9-10-11 — at Kelowna

PLAYOFF DATES
Division semifinal — August 13-14-15
Division final — August 17
WCL final — August 19

TICKETS: Season Tickets, 12 and 24-Game Flex Packs and single-game tickets (when available) are available on-line at harbourcats.com/tickets or by calling the HarbourCats office at 778-265-0327. Fans can also purchase in person at our office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street. The office is open Tuesdays thru Friday 10AM to 4:30PM.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE! Yes the Holiday season is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Thursday and Friday December 3rd and 4th and drop in to our annual Christmas Open House! Grab your tickets, look for special deals on merchandise or just come in and chat baseball and enjoy some food and drink on us! 12 PM to 7PM both days!

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